as in fraud
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value
that's just a scam to bilk insurance companies for staged accidents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of scam
In 2023, the last year for which FTC data is available, Americans reported losing $10 billion to scams—an all-time high.
—
Judy Berman, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
What’s nagging me is the suspicion that this is all a scam.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 6 Feb. 2025
Many victims post about similar scams to warn others.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 Jan. 2025
According to a recent study, pickpocket scams are more prevalent in Europe, particularly in Italy, which ranked highest for pickpockets among the continent's other top destinations.
—Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for scam 
Judy Berman, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
What’s nagging me is the suspicion that this is all a scam.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 6 Feb. 2025
Many victims post about similar scams to warn others.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 Jan. 2025
According to a recent study, pickpocket scams are more prevalent in Europe, particularly in Italy, which ranked highest for pickpockets among the continent's other top destinations.
—Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for scam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scam
Noun
-
The memorandum also directs the DOJ to engage in prosecutions under laws meant to prevent fraud and criminal conspiracies against the U.S. government.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacramento Bee,
8 Feb. 2025
-
Trump and Vice President JD Vance have emphasized that cuts to Social Security and Medicare are largely off the table except for fraud and abuse.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
He was convicted of financial card fraud in 1990, theft by check twice in 1990, two counts of issuing a worthless check in 1994, theft by check in 1994, four counts of theft by swindle in October 2002 and one count two months later.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
-
Justin Ansel Butler falsified documents to make the Duck Donuts franchises in Woodbury and the Mall of America look profitable, according to a criminal complaint filed Friday in Washington County District Court charging him with felony theft by swindle.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
After the 2012 Sandy Hook School shooting where twenty elementary school children and six adults were killed, Jones claimed that the shooting was a hoax and the children were actors.—
Rochelle Eastman,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
-
The hoax continued until 2019, when a close friend sent an anonymous tip to investigative producer Nancy Moscatiello, who spent five years unraveling the lie.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA TODAY,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Get the recipe > Chile con Queso With both serrano chiles and jalapeños, the dip has a bright spiciness that cuts through the richness of two cheeses (the more cheeses the better, in our opinion).—
SAVEUR Editors,
Saveur,
5 Feb. 2025
-
Digging deeper into the mental motivations behind Riley’s actions, her upbringing and the emotional impact of the lengthy con would have struck a more poignant and enduring note.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
What’s needed now are more flexible funding schemes and opportunities that will allow Latvian productions to be competitive on the global market.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2025
-
When Tony White left after the regular season for Florida State, Nebraska lost a defensive tactician and a coordinator who brought an effective scheme to the Blackshirts.—
Mitch Sherman,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near scam
Cite this Entry
“Scam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scam. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share